Kungliga Hovkapellet

Kungliga Hovkapellet (Swedish:Royal Court Chapel), is a Swedish orchestra, founded in 1526. It is now closely connceted to the Royal Swedish Opera.

Kungliga Hovkapellet is one of the oldest orchestras in the wolrd still active. Originally the orchestra of the royal Swedish court, it was first mentioned in 1526. It originally concisted of both musicians and singers. It consisted only of male members until 1727, when Sophia Schröder was employed as vocalists; in the 1850s, Marie Pauline Åhman became the first female instrumentalist. It had a golden age under the lead of the Dûben family during the 17th century, and the 18th century consisted of chapell masters such as Johan Helmich Roman and Francesco Uttini. From 1731, public concerts was performed at Riddarhuset in Stockholm. From 1773, the orchestra is closely linked to the Royal Swedish Opera.